Port Vale v Rochdale preview

Team news ahead of Tuesday's League Two clash between Port Vale and Rochdale at Vale Park.

Last Updated: 05/11/12 at 18:03   

Loft: Pushing for a start

Loft: Pushing for a start

Port Vale have no new problems as they prepare to resume league action on home soil.

The Valiants managed to get through their FA Cup first round tie at Forest Green without any more injury or suspension issues.

Doug Loft made his return from a calf injury as a second half substitute against the Conference club and the captain may be ready to return to the starting line-up.

Ben Williamson staked his claim for a starting berth with another goal from the bench on Saturday to send Vale through to the second round.

Darren Murphy, Chris Shuker, Kingsley James and Ryan Lloyd are also options for manager Micky Adams.

Centre-half John McCombe will serve the second game of a three-match suspension.

Rochdale have no new injuries to contend with.

Bobby Grant suffered a minor knock during Saturday's 1-1 FA Cup first-round draw at Morecambe but is fit to continue in attack.

Ray Putterill is nearing a return from his groin injury but Saturday's trip to Wycombe is a more realistic target for the midfielder.

John Coleman's Dale lie ninth in the table, one point shy of the League Two play-off places, and have enjoyed greater success on their travels so far this term.

Of Rochdale's six wins in the league this season, four have come on the road but they were beaten last time out away from Spotland at Plymouth.

Long-term injury victims Reece Gray (broken leg) and Matt Edwards (wrist) remain sidelined.

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npower League 2

Position Team P GD PTS
1 Gillingham 46 27 83
2 Rotherham 46 15 79
3 Port Vale 46 35 78
4 Burton Alb 46 6 76
5 Cheltenham 46 7 75
6 Northamptn 46 9 73
7 Bradford 46 11 69
8 Chesterfld 46 15 67
9 Oxford Utd 46 -1 65
10 Exeter 46 1 64
11 Southend 46 6 61
12 Rochdale 46 -2 61
13 Fleetwood 46 -2 60
14 Bristol R 46 -9 60
15 Wycombe 46 -10 60
16 Morecambe 46 -6 58
17 York City 46 -10 55
18 Accrington 46 -17 54
19 Torquay 46 -7 53
20 AFC W'don 46 -22 53
21 Plymouth 46 -9 52
22 Dag + Red 46 -7 51
23 Barnet 46 -12 51
24 Aldershot 46 -18 48

Updated Sat, 27 Apr 2013

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